Word Origin & History

cable c.1200, from O.N.Fr., from M.L. capulum "lasso, rope, halter for cattle," from L. capere "to take, seize" (see capable). Technically, in nautical use, a rope 10 or more inches around (smaller ones being hawsers); in non-nautical use, a rope of wire (not hemp or fiber). Given a new range of senses in 19c.: Meaning "message received by telegraphic cable" is from 1883 (short for cable message). As a verb, "to tie up with cables" is from c.1500; "to transmit by cable" is 1871, Amer.Eng. Cable car is from 1887. Cable television first attested 1963; shortened form cable is from 1972.

Example Sentences for cable

"The cable would have handled that end of it, I guess," she said, succinctly.

It was the only cable we used for the first twenty-four hours.

We brought the ship up with this cable, but not until she got it nearly to the better end.

The following letter, received by the French cable, explains itself.

The action was fought nearly at the distance of a cable's length from the enemy.

Was it possible to submerge the cable in the Atlantic, and would it be safe at the bottom?

Next summer a steamboat was fitted out for the purpose, and the cable was submerged.

The design of the cable was a subject of experiment by Professor Morse and others.

Profiting by these aids, an improved type of cable was designed.

The latter instruments were applied to the Sardinia, Malta, and Corfu cable.